The Black and White o

By George F. Wrighster

George F. Wrighster had a dream that his life would take him on a journey which lead him to play Major League Baseball. The problem was that he didn't clearly understand that achieving that dream would encompass more than him being a talented player. We never know where our journey in life will take us, but for sure, we know our life's experienc

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gifts Of Legacy
• Release date: Jul 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9781088181942

Book preview

Introduction

Writing this book is one of the ultimate challenges I have encountered while navigating my life’s journey. I sought to convey awareness about a crucial issue while avoiding having readers focus on my anger. The subject is simultaneously compelling and heartbreaking, considering we are in 2023. Unfortunately, there is still a mindset portrayed, tolerated, and dismissed as if it does not exist, which is persistent racism in Baseball. I pray that this book falls into the hands of the people sustaining and even perpetrating this behavior for decades.

The perpetrators must understand that they should read this message and comprehend the consequences of their actions. Avoiding the issue, ignoring the immense gravity of their choices, and denying the enduring inequities will only prolong this painful behavior. For those experiencing these atrocities, the actual and peripheral victims, I hope this book serves as your voice and gives you the courage to speak up and speak loudly.

I have communicated with hundreds of families that have endured the pain of unfair treatment from this dynamic. Biased thinking and prejudicial behavior have snatched dreams from children and their families. As a result, children have suffered mental anxiety, sought professional counsel, and have given up on the sport of Baseball. Sadly, this is such a devastating price for children and families to pay, all because the gatekeepers of a sport refuse to see how their insensitivity and unwillingness to seek fairness while governing America’s pastime, the game of Baseball, is ultimately harmful.

As you read this, please let your guard down. I am not after anybody’s job unless you are unwilling to change and treat the sport of Baseball with the respect it deserves. We share something in common, an intense love of the game. I understand the importance of quality coaching, yet that’s why I believe this book is essential. Inevitably, however, the conversation that should take place after you read this material will be incredibly uncomfortable and necessary. Hopefully, the outcome will be life-changing. After enduring the dialogue, we will all be better, so let’s start this journey.

PROLOGUE

My Story

Baseball started for me when I was seven years old. I remember the first few times my father took me outside to play catch. I was so glad to spend that time with him and to learn the game. You see, my father was a Semi-professional baseball player, and every week we would go to his games at Bellevue Park to watch him play. I was so excited and proud.

I recall the beginning and almost the end of wanting to play the game of Baseball because they both happened on the same day. Most kids learn to catch baseballs with soft squishy little balls, but not me. So instead, my daddy brought out the diamond deluxe hardball his league used in their games.

I imagined I was headed straight for the majors when he took me out to play catch using his choice of baseball, the diamond deluxe edition. For transparency, I must admit the diamond deluxe edition was the only choice since they were accessible based on the competitive league where he played. But I didn’t care; I could handle that hardball. I was a big boy. Or so I thought.

The first three balls went as planned into the old mitt, but that fourth ball changed my life. It hit me right in the eye, ending my dream career in an instant. That glove flew off; tears streamed down my face; screams and heartbreak were all I remembered. My Dad did his best to console me, but I wasn’t having any of it initially.

He decided to take me out for another round a few hours later. But first, he coached me, explaining how to properly catch a ball while reassuring me that I would be more successful this time. I was very cautious and followed his instructions to a T.

Success! I caught every ball. From that point forward, mentally, I was ready to conquer the sport. The more I saw him play, the more I loved the game. My growing passion for baseball influenced me to practice harder and more often. Before I knew it, my fielding was getting pretty good. Luckily, I grew up in communities with many children nearby, so practice and teammates were easy to come by. We were always playing sports and, on most days, multiple sports. Before long, we were perfecting our skills at football, baseball, and basketball.

We played enough street baseball to hone my skills, convincing me to participate in the sport at my elementary school. Admittedly, my Dad was my first baseball coach. He coached the elementary school team alongside Mr. Doggett, his partner in crime. As I continued to play baseball, I began to enjoy small successes, which led to more game opportunities. I practiced the things my father taught me every day.

First, however, I needed to overcome the fear of getting hit in the face, which I accomplished through the catching practice driven by my father’s encouragement. His persistent claims that I was approaching his performance level were pivotal. That’s when the fun started for me. After a few weeks, I caught and threw with my Dad like a teammate. Next, I gained the confidence to begin tossing the ball with Mr. Doggett’s son Derrick who was already ahead of me in the sport, but that was just the beginning.

I remember going to my Dad’s games. One of his teammates, Mr. Taylor, had a son named Shedrick whom I admired because he played like a young professional. This kid had the shoes, glove, bat, and swag like a little minor leaguer. So I told myself I wanted to play as well as Shed; he inspired me, and we were the same age. I thought I was improving, but after playing catch with Shed, I knew I had a long way to go. So Shedrick stands out as one example of God putting helpers, and role models, in my path to help me understand and love the game. I didn’t think about it then, but now I see God’s hand throughout my